Page 4 of Her Ruse with the Wicked Duke
She began to feel herself melt into the kiss, her face relaxing into his grip. Suddenly, he pulled away, and her eyes went wide, a fierce blush growing on her cheeks.
Peering up, she finally got a good view of him. He was quite handsome. More so than any of this Season’s suitors. His hair was the color of a raven, clearly combed back but remaining untamed. His grey eyes were sparkling in the night, and she felt the oddest flutter in her stomach as she dragged her gaze down to where her hands were pressed against his hard, muscular chest.
Before she spent the entire night ogling his features, she pushed him away. “Your Grace, I?—”
Before she could continue to berate him, he shushed her by putting his finger to his lips and grasping her wrist.
“What are you doing?”
“We must find somewhere else to speak, Miss Snow.” He tugged on her arm, only to be met with resistance.
“I cannot just disappear into the gardens with you?—”
“Listen.” He pointed toward the incoming noise, and her eyes went wide.
What would they think if I was caught in the darkness, kissing the newly most eligible bachelor in all of London? Forget this Season. I would never be wed.
Before the sound got any closer, she agreed with a nod to follow him somewhere private, though she did not quite know what that entailed. She had never been kissed before. Not by a stranger in a hedge maze, at that. Just thinking about it brought the heat back to her cheeks, and she had to shake the thought away as the Duke guided her through the greenery. Finally, they settled in a tucked-away white rose garden, a small fountain spitting water quietly.
“I apologize for my actions.”
“That was entirely unexpected. Do you know what damage you could have done to my reputation, had we been seen? You must have it out for me. Has my brother sent you to utterly torment me?”
“I have a proposition for you,” he said suddenly, and she went quiet.
Surely, he is not proposing marriage. One simple kiss could not be the deciding factor. I’m so inexperienced, there is no possible way he enjoyed that the same way I did…
“Just listen, Miss Snow, and I beg of you, do not interrupt me. I can tell that you enjoy doing it.” He suddenly smiled, and she felt heat rise in her face once again. “I think I may be able to help you. Well, we could help one another, really… If we can carry out a ruse to make the other suitors jealous, I may be able to get you your husband sooner than you think.”
She was stunned. The last thing she expected him to say was that. “Pardon? Forgive me, but how could that possibly benefit you?”
“Because I have become aware that you have connections with the women of the ton, and I need to get in contact with their fathers.”
Alice furrowed her brow, shooting him a cross look. It seemed manipulative on many levels, but on the other hand, he had completely and utterly ruined her night. Richard was arriving back home tomorrow, and she had not secured her escape from his clutches. Maybe this could work.
“And why do you so desperately need to do that?”
“I… it is not pertinent information, Miss Snow. But trust me, it is?—”
“No.”
“Sorry?”
“I refuse your proposal.”
“May I ask why?”
“You are aware of every rumor and secret about me, and yet I know nothing about you. I have no reason to trust you. If you cannot even divulge to me the other half of the ruse, I would like no part in it. Good evening, Your Grace,” she said, keeping her head high and beginning to march out of the garden.
Suddenly, she felt the warmth of his hand wrap around her wrist again, spinning her back around.
“You are a stubborn one, aren’t you, Miss Snow?” His perfect, dazzling smile spread across his face again, and he sighed. “As you wish. The truth is that I returned to London from my travels to do business. I need some… assistance in getting connected with the men who invest in my companies, and I figured the Diamond of the Season would be my opportunity.”
“So, to be clear, you want me to work with you to get the attention of the ton, and in return, you will help me find a husband?”
“Exactly. I know it may seem far-fetched, but I promise you, Miss Snow.” The Duke stepped closer, sending a jolt of nervousness through her core. “I will do everything in my power to assist you. I understand the trials of family matters, and if you can assist me, I will make it worth your while.”
“You seem quite desperate. How can I be sure that you will hold up your end of this deal?” Alice did not have time to fool around if she expected to be married and away from Richard by the end of the Season.
